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Bill

HB 1640

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from accepting examination scores from testing entities that require disabled individuals to undergo comprehensive testing for disabilities that do not change over time

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matthew Overcast

Missouri public colleges may not accept standardized test scores from entities that require a recent comprehensive disability test for accommodations, starting 2027-28.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
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Bill Summary · HB 1640

Overview

House Bill 1640 (HB 1640) from Missouri's 2026 session would prohibit public institutions of higher education in Missouri from accepting standardized applicant examination scores that are administered by testing entities requiring disabled applicants to undergo a comprehensive disability testing within the two years prior to seeking accommodations. The measure would take effect for the 2027-28 academic year and beyond.

Purpose and intent

  • To change admissions test requirements by removing acceptance of certain standardized exam scores when the testing entity mandates a comprehensive disability assessment within the prior two years in order to receive accommodations.
  • The bill targets the process by which applicants with lifelong or static disabilities obtain accommodations for standardized admissions tests.

Key provisions and changes

  • Defines new terms for purposes of the section:
    • "Disabled applicant": an individual with a documented lifelong disability or static disability.
    • "Lifelong disability": a nonprogressive underlying neurodevelopmental or medical condition persisting over a lifetime (examples include dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder).
    • "Static disability": a nonprogressive condition with a fixed level of functional limitation, though performance or skills may improve with intervention or experience.
    • "Public institution of higher education": Missouri public colleges and universities that receive state funding.
    • "Standardized applicant examination": includes major admissions exams such as AP, ACT, CLT, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and SAT.
  • Prohibition:
    • Beginning with the 2027-28 academic year, public institutions of higher education may not accept standardized applicant examination scores from an entity that requires a disabled applicant to complete a comprehensive disability test within the two years prior to the standardized exam in order to receive accommodations (under IDEA, the Rehabilitation Act, or the ADA).
  • Scope of impact:
    • Applies to admissions testing accommodations processes tied to federal disability statutes (IDEA, Section 504, ADA).

Who is affected

  • Applicants with lifelong or static disabilities who rely on accommodations for standardized admissions tests.
  • Public institutions of higher education in Missouri that administer or evaluate admissions exams.
  • Testing entities that require comprehensive disability testing to qualify for accommodations (their acceptance policies would be restricted for Missouri public institutions starting 2027-28).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective horizon:
    • For the 2027-28 academic year and thereafter, the prohibition is in effect.
  • Legislative timeline:
    • Prefiled December 1, 2025.
    • Read First Time January 7, 2026; Read Second Time January 8, 2026.
    • Referred to Emerging Issues (H) May 15, 2026.
  • Implementation considerations:
    • Institutions would need to adjust admissions policies to ensure compliance with the prohibition.
    • Public colleges and universities must verify their eligibility to accept or reject standardized scores under the new rule and determine alternative means of documenting accommodations without relying on entities requiring the two-year comprehensive testing.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Could broaden access by reducing dependence on testing entities that require recent comprehensive disability testing to receive accommodations.
  • Might necessitate alternative documentation standards for accommodations under IDEA, Section 504, or the ADA.
  • Implications for testing entities’ accommodation policies and for applicants who previously used such testing programs to obtain accommodations.
  • Requires institutions to reassess existing agreements with testing providers and communicate changes to prospective students.

If you’d like, I can adapt this summary for a policy brief or provide a quick comparison with current Missouri admissions testing accommodation practices.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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